• About Me
  • Affiliates
  • Basket
  • Blogs
  • Blondie Abroad
  • Checkout
  • Homepage
  • My account
  • Shop
Follow Me
Follow Me
Follow Me
fb-share-icon
Blondie Abroad

Follow Me Around The World

  • Africa
    • Egypt
    • Mauritius
    • Zanzibar
  • Europe
    • France
    • Iceland
    • Italy
    • Portugal
    • Spain
    • UK
  • India
    • Goa
  • South America
    • Costa Rica
    • Mexico
    • Venezuela
  • South East Asia
    • Cambodia
    • Laos
    • Malaysia
    • Sri Lanka
    • Thailand
    • Vietnam
  • Shop
  • Basket
South East Asia, Thailand  /  08/07/2020

In and Around the Remarkable Chiang Rai

by BlondieAbroad

What do people want to see when they visit Northern Thailand? The White Temple is probably at the top of the list, it was mine. But there is so much more on offer in this City. Let me guide you through some of the well known and lesser known sights of Chiang Rai and the surrounding areas. This is what you can experience when you are in and around remarkable Chiang Rai.

Chiang Rai Street Markets

Ever fancy eating something slightly out of the norm? Well then you are in the right place! We came across bugs, traditional food, street food and so much more! Our favourite was a Korean stall we stumbled across at a local festival. It served traditional sticky Korean chicken, It tasted so good we sought it out the next day and went for the ‘hot’ version! Amazing!

Cat Cafes

I love how crazy different cultures can be sometimes. And right here in Chiang Rai we found this lovely little cafe ‘Cat ‘n a Cup’ where you guessed it, you can have lunch with cats! It seemed really well done as the cats had a variety of places up high to escape when they had had their fill of being petted. Most of them were more than happy being fed & tickled though. Hand sanitising was available upon exit. A quirky quiet place to while away half an hour or so.

Temples Up Hills

Mr C loves walking up all these stairs!

There is nothing my husband loves more than me finding yet another temple which has many steps to reach it! Especially when the temple itself is up a long hill in the heat of the day! They are dotted all around Chiang Rai, I love the Nagas lining the staircase here. This one was north east of the centre of town les than a half hour walk.

The Chiang Rai White Temple

A short tuk tuk journey out of town is where this beautiful but quirky White Temple is located. Completely white (hence its nickname) and covered in mirrored tiles it glistens. You can go inside via the walkway which is surrounded my moats of hands reaching up! A bit creepy! Once inside turn around and take a look at the wall you just entered through. There is a hand drawn mural which needs a second look. Can you spot Harry Potter, a minion and Elvis? What else can you see?

Pop To Myanmar

For just $10 you can get a day pass to visit Myanmar passing over one of the Friendship Bridges. We thought this was a brilliant idea and got us an extra stamp in our passport. Granted, you cant go too deep in to the Country in a day but it gives you a little taste. Certainly instantly visibly poorer than its neighbour, it has its own charm the moment you enter. We felt a little uneasy handing our passports in and receiving a little piece of paper in return. However we shouldn’t have worried at all, the process entering and exiting was very smooth. There is even a little duty free shop if it’s not already cheap enough for you in Thailand!

The Golden Triangle

The whole area is called the Golden Triangle when you arrive in Chiang Rai. However the point where the two main rivers meet and you can see Myanmar, & Laos whilst standing in Thailand is where the triangle actually is. There is a lovely little town here and obviously a temple up on a hill too where you actually get the view of the three countries.

Huaisai Man View Point

We stopped at this lovely view point on our journey from Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong. The sun was setting, there was a little cafe to buy refreshments and the scenery was stunning!

Visit the laid back Chiang Khong

The reason we stayed here at all was because it was the closest we could get to the Friendship Bridge with Laos. We wished we had more time here though as it turned out to be a really cute place! I looked on Trip Advisor for the closest local restaurant, found one, off we went. It didn’t start well to be honest. We weren’t shown a menu and the chef/owner told us we were having green Thai curry. That was fine by us, so we sat and had a beer while she huffed off to cook. The meal was fantastic, I’m pleased we didn’t get a choice. And then it turned hilarious when her family turned up for their dinner.

They started talking to us about where we were from etc. Somehow we got on to the topic that we had been to Buckingham Palace Garden party last year and showed them photos of us there. This is when it got weird/hilarious. They obviously got very confused as to who were were not as they knelt next to us, stroking our hands calling us Prince & Princess!!! I was like ‘no no no, you have got it wrong’. They seriously thought we were Royalty! Then they couldn’t offer us enough food etc….time to go!!! Bless!

Fish & Monkey Cave (& Viewpoint)

This temple complex just outside Chiang Rai has several attractions on offer and is free to enter (donation boxes are dotted around if you wish). Not only do you have several beautiful temples to photograph; one being set precariously on a cliff edge, another in a cave! But if you can manage the several hundred step climb upwards then a dragon lined staircase takes you to a platform with beautiful panoramic views of the countryside.

There is a large pond full of fish (hence the other part of the temple name) which also bizarrely has a floating cycling skeleton on the bridge you can cross.

Beware of the cheeky monkeys that inhabit this temple, they will steal anything loose you have. When entering the temple I highly recommend borrowing one of the free bamboo canes supplied to ward them off! You can buy food for them on site, this may attract more than you wanted though.

Have a Chiang Rai coffee

Love a coffee? Well try a local cup and see what you think! The one we had at this coffee shop near the Monkey & Fish Temple was lush. Certainly perked us up after our early start and long journey.

Visit the Beautiful Doi Son Botanical Garden

About an hour away from Chiang Rai, up in the hills is the Princess’s Palace and gardens. We didn’t have time to do both unfortunately, so as it was a nice day we explored the gardens. They were stunning, I’ve never seen so many orchids in my life! Well worth a visit, good value for money too.

Karon Village – Chiang Rai

The tribes are authentic, however the setup is very staged. We wished we had known this before but went with it when we arrived. There are actually four tribes in these grounds. All living separately a short walk from each other, and all selling their goods. The Karon tribe are very recognisable by the rings they wear around their neck. Another tribe all sang and danced for us, slightly awkward when we didn’t want to buy anything! An interesting place to visit none the less.

Chiang Rai Flower Festival

Our timing for this was spot on, and a pure coincidence! The town was having its yearly flower festival which had taken over streets & the large park. So many beautiful flower displays and more than enough street food & beer to keep you fuelled to walk around it all. All less than five minutes from our hotel! Wonderful!

King Mengrai Clocktower

On one of the main roundabouts in the City is a very large golden Clocktower, right in the centre. At night it’s illuminated and there is a light show from around 7pm.

Go To Laos

The boat we took to Luang Prabang from Chiang Khong

Yes, I do mean go to a different country again, this time the beautiful Laos. You are already right by the border, and in Chiang Khong there is Friendship bridge where you cross over. Take a trip down the Mekong and end up in Luang Prabang, a city you simply cannot go through life without ever seeing!

Top 3 Hotels in Chiang Rai

  • Khao Lak’s River Restaurant
  • Krabis Tiger Temple Viewpoint
  • Koh Lantas Best Restaurant
  • Chinese New Year In Phuket Old Town
  • Blondie Abroad Prints

    Post navigation

    Unusual Sights In Hanoi

    Hi I'm Mel, a travel blogger from the UK. My Mission is to show you the lesser known attractions to make your holidays even more exciting. Happy Travels!

    Contact Me
    Bye bucket list
    300*252

    Recent Posts

    • Khao Lak’s River Restaurant
    • Krabis Tiger Temple Viewpoint
    • Koh Lantas Best Restaurant
    • Chinese New Year In Phuket Old Town
    • Blondie Abroad Prints
    Start saving your ideas
    200*200

    Affiliates Information

    Popular Posts

    • Krabis Tiger Temple Viewpoint
    • Koh Lantas Best Restaurant
    • Chinese New Year In Phuket Old Town
    • Top Beautiful Thailand Islands
    • Thrilling Cave Kayaking in Phuket

    _blondieabroad

    _blondieabroad
    This inconspicuous restaurant must be seen to be b This inconspicuous restaurant must be seen to be believed. The food is amazing and the setting is even better. Every nook & cranny is crammed with something weird & wonderful or a plant! Just on the outskirts of the Old Town you will find the Natural Restaurant 💚

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #phuketoldtown #naturalrestaurant #phuketoldtown🏫
    Happy #chinesenewyear2023 from Phuket🧧 #_blond Happy #chinesenewyear2023 from Phuket🧧

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #chinesenewyear #phuketthailand
    In Krabi? Stay at Ban Sainai resort for something In Krabi? Stay at Ban Sainai resort for something a little different. An infinity pool with dramatic cliff backdrop is just one amazing feature. We had a ‘pond’ villa (more like a lake) where you can watch huge monitor lizards swimming around. Fantastic oasis of tranquility in a crazy town 

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #krabi #krabithailand #bansainairesort
    💛 The past few days I’ve been lucky enough to 💛 The past few days I’ve been lucky enough to beach hop around Koh Lanta! Stunning!

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #kohlanta #kohlantaisland #kohlantabeach
    The Lions den & Nanjizal Bay #thecornishway #_bl The Lions den & Nanjizal Bay #thecornishway 

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #landsendcornwall #southwestcoastalpath
    The pretty village of Finchingfield in Essex 🦆 The pretty village of Finchingfield in Essex 🦆

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration
    Raiding my dads allotment by Danbury church 🍓 ☺️ Such a pretty building

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #danbury #allotmentuk #allotment
    Hitchin Lavender Fields is so pretty, even on a cl Hitchin Lavender Fields is so pretty, even on a cloudy day. Latest blog link in bio

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #hitchinlavender #hitchin #hitchintown
    Helford, another beautiful Cornish village I enjoy Helford, another beautiful Cornish village I enjoyed exploring & eating fish ‘n chips 🐟 🍟 

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #helfordpassage #shipwrightsarms
    For all you #harrypotterfan ‘s out there take a For all you #harrypotterfan ‘s out there take a walk around Edinburgh & see Tom Riddles grave & many more Potter themed locations. See where to find them in my latest blog (link in bio) 🧙🏻‍♀️ 

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #harrypotteredinburgh #harrypotterlocations
    Stunning ceiling in The Thistle Capel in St Giles Stunning ceiling in The Thistle Capel in St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh 🤩

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #edinburgh #thistlechapel
    Dean village, Edinburgh 💗 Gorgeous little villa Dean village, Edinburgh 💗 Gorgeous little village to walk around 

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration
    Flyover for the Jubilee 🇬🇧🇬🇧 Tight ove Flyover for the Jubilee 🇬🇧🇬🇧 Tight over our heads! ✈️ 

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #jubilee #jubileeflyover2022
    Waking up at Luangsay Lodge on the Mekong is reall Waking up at Luangsay Lodge on the Mekong is really quite special #luangsaylodge 

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #laostravel  #mekongriver
    Jubilee Bunting Time 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧#love Jubilee Bunting Time 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧#lovelondon 

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #queensjubilee2022 #queensjubilee
    If Thailand can’t come to you… get yourself to If Thailand can’t come to you… get yourself to a Goggling Squid 🦑 😋

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #gigglingsquid #thailandfood
    I’m in there somewhere! Quad biking in the Egypt I’m in there somewhere! Quad biking in the Egyptian desert was a tad dusty!! 🤣

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #egyptsafari #egyptdesert
    Hells Mouth! Mr C wouldn’t go near the edge 🤣 Hells Mouth! Mr C wouldn’t go near the edge 🤣 He needed a cream tea after to get over it 🤦🏼‍♀️

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #hellsmouth #hellsmouthbeach #cornwallcoastpath
    Hmmm 🤔 Unsure what this will taste like. Anyone Hmmm 🤔 Unsure what this will taste like. Anyone tried Mangosteen wine?

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #thaidrink #mangosteen #thailandfood
    Lush lunch in West Mersea at The Dukes Seafood 🦞 🦀 🐟 #westmersea 

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #westmerseaoysterbar
    Load More Follow on Instagram
    • Elara by LyraThemes
    • Content & Design by LadyCornish Web Design
    Social media & sharing icons powered by UltimatelySocial
    Manage Cookie Consent
    To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
    Functional Always active
    The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
    Preferences
    The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
    Statistics
    The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
    Marketing
    The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
    Manage options Manage services Manage vendors Read more about these purposes
    View preferences
    {title} {title} {title}
     

    Loading Comments...